Introduction to Day Hiking – Reflect

You’ve done it! Great job. Some thing that I like to do after each hike:

Sit and relax – you’ve just worked hard for a few hours…take a minute and just simply relax. I sometimes do this at the trailhead. Sometimes in the car. Sometimes at a roadside pond or stream nearby.

Especially in your early days, reflect on how things were different than what you expected. I try hard to learn something new on every hike. Was my time budget reasonable? Am I more or less tired than expected? What did I not have that I wanted? Did I not take enough pictures? Too many pictures?

Let the person who you left your literary know your safe and sound.

Tell others of your trip. I’m always surprised by people who are avid hikers, that I did not expect. You’ll connect with new people and perhaps find new hiking partners.

Plan your next trip. Depending on your comfort level, find similar hikes that are longer/steeper. If you are uncomfortable, cut back on elevation and elevation gain.